Poor eyesight doesn't exclude someone from riding motorcycles but finding the right helmet that fits with a pair of glasses requires a bit of trial and error.
Unless you wear contacts - and recent studies show just 11 percent of those who wear eye correction wear contacts - you need a motorcycle helmet comfortably worn while wearing your glasses. This doesn't necessarily exclude a full face helmet, the most popular style for all riders, it just reduces the number of options, if you prefer this model.
A rider needs a helmet that accommodates the eyeglass frames without squeezing the arms into your head. This pressure point gets worse the longer it digs into your head so even if the initial feel, feels ok, wear a helmet that fits snug on your head while accommodating the frame and arms of your glasses. Most helmet eye port openings offer enough room to accommodate the frames but still something to consider in your search.
Motorcycle Helmet for Glasses
Motorcycle helmets generally include comfort features enjoyed by all riders that also accommodate those who wear eyeglasses while some manufacturers build in characteristics specifically to fit riders who need eyewear.
- Padding - look for helmets with specific padding for glasses to reduce pressure and fame pinching
- Removable cheek pads - Most helmets have removable (and washable) or adjustable cheek pads for fitment that you can adjust for your glasses.
- Quick release system - Many helmets have a quick release system for safety in the event of a crash but this system allows you to lift the face shield for further adjustments without removing the helmet
- Eyewear Channels: Some helmets have built-in channels designed specifically for glasses.
- Anti-Fog Ventilation: Wearing glasses means the potential for battling fogging issues on two fronts - your visor and glasses. Pick a helmet with efficient ventilation and or visors coated with anti-fog technology, choose a Pinlock or invest in an anti-fog spray.
Best Motorcycle Helmet for Glasses
Full Face Helmet with Glasses
- AGV K6: Interior fit especially designed to allow wearing glasses thanks to minimal pressure points and eyewear channels.
- Shoei RF-1400: Includes glasses-friendly padding in sizes XS to 3XL
Bell SRT Modular Helmet in Closed Position with Glasses
Modular Helmet with Glasses
- Bell SRT Helmet: The lone modular helmet model from Bell and also the brand's most recognizable. The moderate price and recessed areas in the helmet's interior padding make this one a popular choice.
- Shark EVO Models: Known for its flip-up design and "Auto-Up" and "Auto-Down" chin guard tilting system, it's easy to adjust glasses.
- LS2 Valiant Series: Laser-cut Multi-density foam fits the curves of the rider's face for a perfect fit with no hot spots.
Bell SRT Modular Helmet in Open Position with Glasses
Open-Face Helmets with Glasses
An open face helmet obviously eliminates the pull-over aspect to your helmet so any brand works especially those with a drop down shield otherwise get a pair of riding goggles. Our recommendations:
- Arai Ram-X: Full glasses compatible with removable foam in the top of the earcup to allow the arms of glasses to easily slide into the helmet. A spacious interior and ventilation reduces fogging on glasses while the shield eliminates need for goggles.
- Bell Custom 500: Offers plenty of space for glasses in a retro look.
Choosing the best motorcycle helmet for glasses comes down to... you guessed it: Comfort. Therefore, find a lid with the desired safety features compatible with glasses allowing you to ride in comfort. Even a slight pressure point from your glasses on your head can result in a headache or an altogether annoying ride that can compromise safety and enjoyment.
